Season 8
The Big Debate is South Africa's town hall debate show, devised by Ben Cashdan in 2009. The series tackles social issues giving a voice to the poor majority and holds leaders to account.
The show grapples with the most controversial issues in South Africa and tries to find solutions. From movers and shakers to the masses, everyone is given a chance to air their views.
Season 8 returns to SABC2 after a five-year hiatus and is presented once again by veteran journalist and TV and radio personality Redi Tlhabi (who hosted Season 2 and 3), in a six-part special season of town hall discussions titled "South Africa at a Crossroads".
The season is produced by Green Star Media and retains the same format as previous seasons.
The topics this season are:
Episode 1: State Capture
Episode 2: Radical Economic Transformation
Episode 3: Social Movements and Protest in South Africa
Episode 4: Political Party Funding and Democracy
Episode 5: Women's Rights
Episode 6: Nuclear Deal
Some of the guests to be featured this season include Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, Mzwanele Manyi, Floyd Shivambu, Gayton McKenzie, Lindiwe Zulu, Tshepo Motsepe and Themba Godi.
A new addition this season is the introduction of an extended episode which airs on YouTube after the TV broadcast.
Broadcast Notes
The first two episodes of Season 8 aired on SABC2 on 25 November and 2 December, 2017. The season returned in February 2018 with a repeat broadcast of the first two episodes on 3 February and 10 February, followed by the remaining four episodes in the following weeks.